Former BioWare Employees File Lawsuit Over Insufficient Severance Pay
Seven former employees of game developer BioWare have filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that they received inadequate severance pay after being laid off earlier this year. While the plaintiffs understand BioWare’s decision to let them go, they claim that they did not receive the amount of severance pay required by local labor laws.
According to Alberta’s labor laws, termination without cause typically entitles employees to receive one month of severance pay per year of service. The former BioWare employees, with an average of 14 years each at the studio, assert that the company did not meet this requirement.
The lawsuit states that some of the affected workers attempted to negotiate with BioWare for a higher severance package but were unsuccessful, leading them to pursue legal action. The individuals involved in the lawsuit were all involved in the development of the upcoming role-playing game Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, which adds further complexity to their job search during the approaching holiday season.
BioWare, along with its parent company Electronic Arts, has not yet released an official statement regarding the lawsuit. When the layoffs were initially announced, BioWare confirmed that the development of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf would continue, as well as the pre-production of a new Mass Effect game.
The gaming industry has witnessed numerous waves of layoffs recently, impacting the job security of many talented individuals. The outcome of this lawsuit could potentially set a precedent for how severance pay and employee rights are handled in similar situations going forward.
The affected former employees hope that by pursuing legal action, they can receive the severance pay they believe they deserve based on their years of service. They contend that the current labor laws in Alberta exist to protect workers in these types of circumstances, ensuring fair treatment and compensation upon termination.
As this case progresses, it will undoubtedly draw attention from both the gaming industry and labor rights groups, highlighting the importance of upholding fair employment practices and ensuring that individuals receive appropriate compensation when they lose their jobs.
